No, it's not the end of the Cuban trade embargo, but it might be a step in that direction. President Obama recently announced an easing of travel restrictions for qualified U.S. citizens.

While this doesn't mean that any citizen of the United States can board the first plane to Cuba, it does mean that there will be greater leniency for more academic, religious and other cultural activities that were previously forbidden.

Furthermore, in an effort to "expand the economic independence of the Cuban people," as the official White House press release states, any U.S. citizen can send money to a nonfamily member in support of "private economic activity."

To see more on the story and to read expert opinions on the new relaxed restrictions, see the latest Cigar Insider.

Nice article Greg. I just read the rest of the article in the Cigar Insider. Greg I think you need a blog as well.

Taylor FranklinJanuary 26, 2011 2:17am ET

I think Habanos puros have all the bases covered: academic, religious, and other cultural activities.

Let's go!

David SewardPeterborough, ON, Canada, February 25, 2011 12:51pm ET

Being from Canada, I had the ABSOLUTE privilege of vacationing in Cuba earlier in February. Is it just me, or do the cigars taste better there? When traveling there - do NOT bring US based Mastercards, VISA's or AMEX since they are not accepted!

widehorizon24@hotmail.comMay 26, 2011 1:15am ET

Cuba is also a wonderful place to visit I guessed. Many people have had a desire to enjoy Monte Cristos and daiquiris in the same bars as Hemingway, but the restriction against going to Cuba has made that impossible. It is becoming less impossible over time, as loopholes in the travel ban make it possible for a small number of people to go annually. More individuals are going every year, but there are still rules regarding travel to Cuba and it is most certainly not Disneyland there. I found this here: <a title="Finding ways to go to Cuba" href="http://www.newsytype.com/6527-travel-to-cuba/">Travel to Cuba boosting but Spring Break not going to Havana, newstype.com</a>.